Moyes named manager of Manchester United

David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Everton manager David Moyes (left) and Manchester United's soon-to-retire boss Alex Ferguson (right) are pictured during the FA Cup semifinal match between their two teams at Wembley Stadium in April 2009. United announced Wednesday that Ferguson, 71, will be retiring at the end of the season after more than a quarter of a century at the helm.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor9 photos

David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Jose Mourinho, who is now Real Madrid coach, and Moyes look on during the FA Cup fourth round match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in January 2006 in Liverpool. Both men were potential candidates to replace Ferguson, before Moyes agreed a six-year deal with United.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor9 photos

David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Moyes is pictured prior to kick off during the English Premier League match between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park last month. Moyes is leaving Everton at the end of the season after he told the Merseyside club's chairman Bill Kenwright of his desire to join United and succeed Ferguson.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Moyes urges on his team during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in north London last month. The Scot is considered to have done a superb job at Goodison Park given the relatively small financial resources he had at his disposal.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Moyes attends the 24th Hillsborough Anniversary Memorial Service at Anfield last month in Liverpool. Thousands of fans, friends and relatives took part in the service to mark the death of 96 football fans in an FA Cup semifinal match in April 1989.

David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Moyes was made an Honorary Fellow for Outstanding Contributions to football and sportsmanship, by Liverpool John Moores' University during its annual graduation ceremony at the city's Anglican Cathedral in July 2011.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – Harry Redknapp -- then Tottenham manager, but now Queens Park Rangers boss -- and Moyes are pictured together after the Sir Bobby Robson Memorial Service at Durham Cathedral in September 2009. Former England manager Robson died aged 76 following a long battle with cancer.

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David Moyes: Alex Ferguson's successor – The family of murdered 11-year old boy Rhys Jones stand next to Moyes during a minute's appreciation before the start of the Premier League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park in August 2007. Rhys died after being shot in the neck as he played football with friends outside the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, Liverpool in August.

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EXPAND GALLERY

Veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs, who has spent his entire professional career with United, has been given the position of player-coach after 23-year trophy-laden years with the club.

Moyes has also appointed United academy graduate Phil Neville to his coaching staff, having worked with the former England international for eight years at Everton.

Retired midfielder Paul Scholes was also approached, but the former playmaker declined the position.

"I spoke with Paul Scholes as well. He felt he wanted to have some time off with his family," explained Moyes.

"I felt the right person was Ryan Giggs and he has been great. He has been on his UEFA pro licence course -- a European coaching qualification -- and after two days you can see how incredible a footballer he is. Ryan is taking steps forward and to get him and Phil Neville together is great."